PROMOTING AVIATION

Taranaki Daily News, 8 October 1928, Page 6

PROMOTING AVIATION

THREE SCHEMES SUBMITTED HAWERA CHAMBERS ACTION. "NATURAL STOPPING PLACE.'’ Promotion of aeronautice generally and improvement of the landing ground at the Hawera racecourse, "the natural halfway etopping place between Auckland and Blenheim or Wellington,” were the subjects of discussion by the Hawera Chamber of Commerce on Friday night. The Mayor (Mr. E. A. Pacey) and Flight-Lieutenants J. W. Craig and F. Latham attended. Mr. C. Freyberg, formerly a captain in the K.A.F., with war-time flying experience, outlined three proposals which the committee of the chamber and the local flying men had propounded during the past few months. A committee was appointed to wait upon the Egmont Racing Club to find definitely the liberties or tenure the club is willing to extend in the cause and then to report to the annual meeting of the chamber before requesting the mayor to convene a public meeting to consider concrete suggestions. The suggestion of Mr. Freyberg for the committee were the following alternatives: —(a) The formation of an active aero club with planes, an aerodrome and hangar and a ground mechanic and competent flying instructor; (b) the formation of an aero elub with no planes in the meantime, but with the objects of lecturing in aeronautics and instructing aspiring fliers as far as could bo without actual craft; (c) the formation of a committee whose objects would be the maximum improvement of the Hawera landing ground and generally extending conveniences to fliers; providing for petrol supplies; weather communications; marking the ground and having maps made giving the land marks and information as to landing and local dangers to be avoided. ACTIVE COST PROHIBITIVE. Preliminary discussion at the chamber ’ revealed that the cost of the first proposal was thought to be almost prohibitive at the present time, while the second alternative would need some concrete application to retain interest. The unofficial .committee had had material and the Government regulations for the past six months, while the flying men had met on occasions and Mr. Douglas Mill had given them particulars as to aero clubs of which he had had experience in England. The Government conditions were that grants of machines would be made and assistance given aero clubs, according to information from Major Wilkes. Before free machines would be given the club would need to provide for their care and maintenance and arrange for the services of an instructor and ground engineer. The expense estimated by Mr. Mill was £2,000 a year, apart from the ground cost of tenrne. A roll of at least 30 members prepared to qualify as pilots was also necessary. Demand exceeding the present supply, Blenheim was paying for 2 machines now and would have re imbursement made by the Government when the supply was sufficient. Any aero club now being formed would need to be able to do the same. The first year would entail the additional expense of erecting hangars for the machines. An active aero club at present, thought Mr. Freyberg, would be impracticable by reason of the expense. Many aero clubs would find it impossible to carry on unless they had exceptionally good friends.

Points on -which general assistance to airmen and improvement to the ground could be made were enumerated. A good surface was essential so that the whole of the oval should be suitable in any part for increased run-way. The northern end had a ditch and bank. Wires were a great danger to airmen and would need to be removed or warnings erected. The whole of the posts and rails would need to be painted white; stocks of aviation petrol and oils would need to be kept on hand, and men of aero mechanics experience should be present or available. “ENQUIRIES ABOUT AIR POCKETS.” Telegraphic communications of weather prevailing would be a need. The secretary of the South Taranaki Automobile Association would act as a located agent to confer with local flying men and give replies. Organised interest in aviation and aerial education could be promoted by arranging visits from other aero clubs. The mere existence of a ground did not make Hawera an exception, and the formation of an aero club would be the first step towards recognition and further growth, said Mr. Horner. Ground was the first thing and the aero club formation the next, said Mr. Bond. No difficulty with the racing club would result, thought the mayor, until planes were almost daily visitors, when the racing elub would need to make some check. A meeting had been called at Wellington, said Mr. Freyberg, and it had been very enthusiastic, but it was found no one knew what he was present for. Something definite must be formulated before calling a public meeting. ‘‘A little knowledge is dangerous,” said Mr. Dixon. Comments about New Plymouth’s aero meeting were made. One thing which had amused Flight-Lieutenant Craig, he said, was that "diligent enquiries about location of air pockets” were discussed. "Perhaps thev think warning posts can be erected,” said a member. A Jot' of talk had been made about rivalry between different centres, said Mr. Freyberg. There should be no parochialism, as intermediate grounds were wanted just as much as regular stopping places for forced lan lings in bad weather and in other circumstances. It was not a parochial matter as far as Hawera was concerned, for the geographical position was the first con- .. for private, -ommcrcial or

defence aviation. Hawera was the natural halfway stopping place between Auckland and Wellington or Blenheim. Endeavours to secure a visit to Hawera from Sir John Salmond, British Air Marshall, were decided upon. It was decided to secure from him advice as to the lines of further improvements. HAWERA COUNTY’S MEETING. STOCK WANDERING ON THE ROAD. SEVERAL PROSECUTIONS PENDING Several prosecutions were pending against owners for allowing stock to wander on the county roads, reported the county ranger, Mr. G. H. Blackwell, at the monthly meeting of the Hawera County Council on Saturday. Town cows had caused very little trouble over the county boundaries during the past winter, particularly the Manaia stock. Eight owners had been notified to cut boxthorn and gorse. Fifty-six beasts had been impounded. A plan of every new road dedicated should be insisted upon by the council, it was decided, when Tonks’ estate wrote through solicitors seeking acceptance of dedication of a road before metalling. It was decided to do so upon indemnity being given. Fire plugs would be installed immediately, it was reported concerning the outside fire area. The petition would be an annual affair pending legislation as to” separate rating for terms, and the county would do the necessary work preliminary to annual agreements until a rate for more than one year could be struck. HERD TESTING AT JOLL'S. The official returns of the T. L. Joll Herd-testing Association for the period ended September 29, are:— HIGHEST HERDS.

The association cows averaged 8701 b milk, 4.2 test, 36.241 b fat. HAWERA CRICKET CLUB’S TEAMS. THE PERSONNEL ANNOUNCED. The personnel of the Hawera Cricket Club’s two senior teams to participate in the southern championship this season was decided upon at a meeting of the selection committee, Messrs. J. Nielsen, H. D. Hughes and T. Crombie, on Saturday evening following the final practice. The teams chosen were:— Hawera Midlands. —B. McCarthy senr., T. Young, L. H. Giblin, J. Nielsen, T. F. McKenzie, L. A. Jennings, B. Malone, W. Entwistle, M, Hawke, G. H. Buckeridge, B. McCarthy iunr., A. E. Stevens junr., Smith and J. Moloney. Hawera Excelsior. —H. D. Hughes, T. Crombie, L. B. Inch, F. G. Trev.eek, C. Busing, J Mills, W. Fairweather, E. Galvin, M, Foster, V. Hobday, L. Gyde, If. P. Vinnicombe, McNaughton, J. Linton and Shalders. These two teams the selectors considered to be as near as possible evenly matched.

Eight senior teams will contest the competition in one-day matches and if possible three rounds will be played. The senior teams entered are: Hawera Midlands, Hawera Excelsior, Hawera High School, Old Boys, Okaiawa, Stratford, Eltham, Kaponga. Regret was expressed that the number of players available in the Hawera Club precluded any possibility of a junior team being entered. 'Hawera High School wished to enter two teams and Stratford would probably enter a team. It was thought possible that Hawera Old Boys might enter a junior eleven. BOWLING SEASON OPENS. PLAY ON HAWERA GREEN. * MANY VISITORS ATTEND. Favoured by splendid summer weather the opening of the Hawera Bowling Club for the 1928-29 bowling season proved most successful, 1 ring patronised by a record attendance of visiting bowlers representative of the district from Patea to Stratford The president of the Hawera club Mr. G. A. Burgess, said that the presence of so many visiting bowlers showed the keen interest taken in ths game. The new season would probably be a very busy one since besides the Syme Shield and ordinary competitions there were the matches for the Renwick Cup, the Cann Cup and the Bisox' Cup presented by Mr. R. Hicks. The president explained that Mr. Hicks owned the horse Bisox and whenever his horse won he presented a cup. Mr. Burgess mentioned that the Park Club would hold its opening on Wednesday. He also announced that the patron of the club, Mr. G. Syme senr., although over 91 years of age, was present on the green and cheers were given for the veteran bowler. Mrs. Burgess then threw the jack and Mr. Syme delivered the first bowl to the accompaniment of cheers. During the afternoon a match between the president’s and vice-president s rinks was played, the result being a win for the president’s rinks by 165 to 141. .

The details, with the vice-president’s rinks mentioned first, are: —

Parkes, Clarke, Maslin, Astbury (s) 16 v. Stanners, Halliday, Murdoch, J. McDonald (s) 31. Currie, Murray, DcLargey, McLaren (s) 22 v. Taylor, S. Williams, M. Squire, W. Paterson (s) 13. Hickey, Entwistle, Hawkins, Mason (s) 13 v. Nicholls, J. Paterson, Hurrell, Foy (s) 17. Sheehan, Fletcher, Kendall, H. L. Betts (s) 13 v. A. V. Tait, Smith, Villars, Grant’ (s) 27. _ McQueen, Jackson, Corkill, Goodwin (s) 21 v. Jellyman, McGhey, Tyack, Burgess (s) 10. Connell, Dawson, Tidswell, M. Robertson (s) 15 V. Adams, Roberts, Coleman, Bicheno (s) 17. Melville, Hopcroft, Brett, Skoglund (s) 21 v. Best, Spiers, Townsend, Quin (s) 22. Dale, Davis, Green, Court (s) 20 v. R. Campbell, Machin, Ball, F. Brown (s) 28. MOTE ’PLANE AT HAWERA. MR. I). MILL VISITING BLENHEIM. DEVELOPMENT IN AVIATION. Mr. Douglas Mill, in his DH Moth aeroplane, arrived unexpectedly at Hawera at 10.50 on Saturday morning en route to Blenheim in order to witness the departure of the Southern Cross. The trip from Auckland occupied 2 hours 50 minutes, fine weather being experienced all the way. The ’plane departed at 12.34 in continuation of its flight to Blenheim, which Mr. Mill anticipated would bo reached in three hours. During his short stay the airman was entertained at lunch by Mr. and Mrs. A. Morse. He replenished his fuel tanks with eight gallons of benzine, this amount being used on the trip from Auckland. Mr. Mill intends to return to Hawera in a few days’ time, and later, when his second machine arrives, he intends to’arrange passenger flights. Two enthusiasts, on learning that the aeroplane was at the racecourse, made application to be taken for an air spin, but the airman was unable to accede to the request as he had to push on while the weather was favourable. The Hawera racecourse appeals strongly to Mr. Mill as an aviation field, and he considers that an area at Normanby would also make a good landing ground. Aviation was making great strides, he said, and the fifteenth Moth for New Zealand was now on order. A syndicate at Taumarunui had decided to go in for a light ’plane, and Mr. Mill commended the move, This would result in the preparation of a suitable landing ground at that town, and air tourists would have another port of call on their visiting list. At present Te Kuiti was the farthest he could go by air into the King Country, The formation of a small flying syndicate at Hawera was suggested by the airman as a means of popularising air travel. There were already a few flying men there who could help to train others, and it would require only eight members at £lOO each to purchase a machine. A small wind indicator was presented to Mr. Morse by the airman, and this will in future be used instead of flares. to guide aviators in their descents at the racecourse grounds. The danger of spectators intefering with the wings of a ’plane was mentioned by Mr. Mill, who declared that small punctures in the wing fabric caused by handling were, with the high wind pressure of a speed of 80 miles an hour, likely to develop into serious rents, and this might easily cause disaster to aviators. He advocated that the crowd should be roped off from ’planes when at the landing field, as spectators, in their eagerness, were apt to do damage to the delicate fabric. Mr. Mill took with him a copy of Saturday’s Daily News for delivery to the president of the Blenheim Aero Club. APPARENT INCENDIARISM. BLAZE DISCOVERED IN TIME. To find one of bis haystacks destroyed by fire and a burning sack on the kitchen floor of his house was the startling experience of Mr. W. F, Hoskin, of McLean Road, Okaiawa, on his return to his farm yesterday afternoon, after being absent for the greater part of the d..y. His opportune discovery probably saved his residence from being razed to tho ground. With Mr. Herd Hall, who lives opposite, Mr. Hoskin went away in: the morning, leaving no one on the farm. At about midday a small haystack valued at £23 was destroyed by fire, and when Mr. Hoskin entered the kitchen of his house about 3 p.m. he was amazed at seeing sugar, eggs, and broken plates strewed about tho floor and a burning sack which had already ignited the floor boards. A girl, aged 14, daughter of Mr. Hall, stated, to the police that she saw two. men getting over the gate into Mr. Hoskin’s property. She described them, but although Constables Mullen and Townsend made enquiries round tho district no trace of the men eould be found. Strange to say, nothing of value was missed from the house.

OHAWE WATER "UNSAFE.” STRICT CONTROL NECESSARY. The water of. Ohawe is affected by a considerable amount of contamination, according to the chemical analysis of the Dominion analyst, reported Dr. R. J. Mecredy, medical officer of health, to the Hawera County Council on Saturday. One well as a particular instance used as a “village pump,” was reported as being “unsafe for potable use.” That the drainage and general cleanliness of the Ohawe settlement were matters demanding careful inquiry was agreed unanimously, the chairman and Crs. Winks and Washer being constituted a committee to investigate the whole position. “A faint earthy smell” had been detected by the analyst, who said that on being left to stand the sample of water gave a moderate deposit, but no organisms had been detected. The presence of nitrates, the high figure for chlorides, and the proximity of the septic tank overflow indicated that the water was probably contaminated with oxidised sewerage. "Prosecute anyone who puts rubbish on the roads,” urged the chairman after reporting upon a visit paid to the township. Fully half an acre of the roads was strewn with rubbish and the streets were in a disgraceful state. The place was becoming & popular resort am’ stricter control .was necessary.

Nd. Lb Lb Ccws. Milk. Test. Fat. 50 1034 4.8 47.53 67 930 4.8 46.15 29 1071 4.2 44.39 24 1050 4.0 42.20 59 905 4.5 40.85 53 9S2 4.0 39.90 50 938 4.1 39.15 HIGHEST COWS. Lb. Milk Test. Lb. Fat. 1230 5.0 68.88 1200 5.7 68.40 1200 5.4 68.04 1230 a.o 67.50 1350 5.0 67.50 1320 5.1 67.32 1200 5.0 07.20